Evaluation of subacute toxicity of methanol extract of <i>Justicia carnea</i> leaves in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

The subacute toxicity of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves on rats was evaluated. Thirty six male rats (70 – 100 grams) were randomly divided into four groups replicated thrice with each replicate having three rats. Group A (control group), and groups B, C and D (test groups) were treated with 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of extract respectively. Liver and kidney function markers, antioxidant activities, lipid profile and haematological indices determined after 28 days of treatment indicated that the liver enzymes markers, protein profile of the extract treated groups showed no significant changes (p>0.05), except the group treated with 800 mg/kg BW of extract which showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in alanine transaminase (ALT) activity. Significant (p<0.05) reduction was observed in malondialdehyde level in group treated with 800 mg/kg extract, whereas superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of the extract treated groups were not significantly (p>0.05) different. No significant changes (p>0.05) was observed in the concentrations of the haematological indices, kidney markers and lipid profile of the test groups when compared with normal control. The histopathology examination of the liver and kidney of the rats in control, 200 and 800 mg/kg extracts group showed normal tissue architecture; while rats administered 400 mg/kg BW of the extract had mild portal inflammation with interface necrosis. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol extract of J. carnea may have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and be relatively safe for albino rats following acute consumption.